Naruto Strait
鳴門海峡
Water scenery — lakes, gorges and falls that reset the pace of a trip.
What this place is
Naruto Strait (鳴門海峡, Naruto-kaikyō) is a strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku in Japan. It connects Harima Nada, the eastern part of the Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. A famous feature of the strait is the Naruto whirlpools. In 1950, it was included as part of the Setonaikai National Park. Ōnaruto Bridge, the southern part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, crosses over it. It was built in 1985, leading to the cessation of ferry services in 1995 due to low demand. Mopeds are forbidden from driving on the bridge for safety reasons. An annual "Whirlpool Opening" celebration is held every year with the arrival of the spring tide by Naruto City's tourism association. The strong currents of the strait create vortexes that can reach up to 20 meters in diameter at a speed of 20 kph.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Clear water that changes colour with the light, from deep blue in summer to jade after rain.
- Walkways, bridges and viewpoints built right along the water so the scenery unfolds as you move.
- Reflections of surrounding peaks and forest on calm mornings — the classic postcard shot.
What you can do here
- Walk the riverside or lakeshore promenade; most routes are flat and clearly signposted.
- Take a sightseeing boat or rent a rowboat, canoe or SUP where the water is calm.
- Photograph at golden hour, when low light makes the surface glow and crowds have thinned.
- Stop at a lookout café or rest house for local sweets with a water view.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Paths near falls stay wet and slippery — wear shoes with grip, not sandals.
- Water volume peaks after rain and during snowmelt; the falls are far more dramatic then.
- Boat services shrink or stop in winter, so check the seasonal timetable before travelling.
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